Medical History

Before performing a physical examination, doctors interview the person. Doctors ask the person to describe current symptoms, telling precisely where and how often they occur, how severe they are, how long they last, and whether daily activities can still be performed. Many different symptoms can be caused by neurologic disorders, but such symptoms can be caused by other disorders.

The person is also asked about past or present illnesses and past operations, serious illnesses in close blood relatives, allergies, and drugs currently being taken. In addition, doctors may ask if the person has had work-related or home-related difficulties, such as loss of a loved one, because such circumstances may affect the person's health and ability to cope with illness.